Thiago Silva received his second booking of the World Cup against Colombia and is banned for the semi-final. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Fifa has confirmed Brazil have lodged an appeal against Thiago Silva’s yellow card that has resulted in the Seleção captain being banned for the World Cup semi-final against Germany.

Silva picked up the caution against Colombia, awarded after he blocked the goalkeeper David Ospina taking a kick, and as it was his second of the tournament he was automatically suspended.

The Brazilian federation (CBF) has lodged an appeal and Fifa’s head of media, Delia Fischer, said: “I can confirm we have received an appeal from the CBF and this is being analysed.”

Brazil’s chances of success appear limited – appeals are usually only permitted against red cards rather than yellows.

Real Madrid appealed against the midfielder Xabi Alonso being suspended for the Champions League final in May after he picked up his third booking of the tournament in the semi-final, but Uefa ruled that appeal was inadmissible.

Should Fifa overturn the yellow card it would be hugely controversial and may lead to other teams claiming that the governing body is favouring the hosts.

All existing yellow cards are now wiped from the slate from this stage of the tournament, however, meaning anyone who is booked in a semi-final will not risk suspension for the final unless they are sent off.